#visitbowen with your dog!
These days the most loved member of the family is often the furry four-legged buddy sitting at your feet (or in your lap) So it's no wonder that more and more 'Rover' is going roving with the family on holidays!
It's great to know that your destination is going to be pet-friendly - from campsites to luxury beach stays and of course plenty of outdoor adventure, Bowen has all the best spots for 'Spot' to stretch out and unwind in paradise.
Everyone knows that Bowen has the best beaches - but did you know that our canine buddies are welcome on most of them? Even better, you can stay beachfront with your buddy! Rose Bay Resort has dedicated pet-friendly apartments, so you and your best mate can leap straight out of bed and go and explore our pet-friendly beaches.
Cape Edgecumbe Trail has a track entrance right behind the resort as well. Pop pooch on a lead and go for an adventure - plenty of sniffing & selfie opportunities! To complete the track as a circuit will take approximately an hour. It's a good idea to have water with you and avoid the heat of the day, otherwise you may have to carry a hot and puffed dog back down! Half way along the trail you'll come out on secluded Murray Bay Beach - this is a top spot for taking a break in the shade.
The track continues to Horseshoe Bay; although doggos are not allowed on this beach it hardly matters because beachfront cafe Meraki Whitsundays would love your pooch to visit! It's the place for coffee, cold drinks and lunch with a great view - but be warned: the friendly staff may try to steal your dog - they love animals!
Just like us, dog's just love the beach. All that open air, water to splash through & miles of sand! Treat your pooch like royalty and head to Queens or Kings Beach for some off lead fun.
If you like to camp or you're doing the big lap in your caravan, you're spoilt for choice in Bowen! There's eight caravan parks and all offer pet friendly options, from sites to pet-friendly cabins! As always, check first before booking for availability or conditions. There's nothing better than taking in a tropical sunset from your site with your favourite furry friend by your side.
If you're here on the weekend then why not check out Parkrun Bowen? Parkrun is a free event held on Saturday mornings all over Australia (and the world!) and dogs are welcome. Bowen's course has got be one of the prettiest taking in lots of lovely scenery. It's a great way to kick off your weekend; you don't have to be a runner, walkers are welcome - starts at 7am Saturdays year around from aptly named Barker Park! Note - dogs need to be on a lead with one pet per person.
After all that exercise you're going to need a rest - unwind and wander the beachfront Lions Markets at Hansen Park on Sunday morning. Grab a bacon & egg burger to share! Need a great cup of coffee? Try some of the best cake in the Whitsundays with at Le Sorelle 'The Sisters' Coffee House.
It wouldn't be a pet friendly paradise without a pet friendly BIG thing either! Whether you're staying, visiting for the day, or simply passing through, THE BIG MANGO on the Bruce Hwy is the spot to take a break. Let loose in the attached dog park - provided by neighbouring Ocean View Motel (which also has a pet friendly room!). Grab a cool drink for you and your furry mate while the friendly staff fill you in on other great doggy destinations up and down the east coast of Australia. While you rest your paws, treat your pup to a mango sorbet - made locally from 100% local mango and safe for dogs - they love 'em!
Information correct as of February 2018